For Parents

 

Clubfoot information

What is clubfoot?

Clubfoot is a deformity present at birth that twists the foot downward and inward, making walking difficult or impossible. While it cannot be prevented, it can be corrected using a relatively inexpensive treatment process called the Ponseti method.

Read more about Clubfoot

Can it be treated?

Yes, clubfoot can be treated! We adhere to treatment through the Ponseti method, the gold standard of clubfoot treatment. The treatment phase involves weekly casting for four to eight weeks and, in most cases, a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure to lengthen the Achilles tendon, called a tenotomy. After this, in the maintenance phase, children wear a foot abduction brace for 23 hours a day for three months, and then at night and nap time until the age of five. Children born with clubfoot can take their first steps on completely straight feet thanks to early intervention and to this relatively simple, cost-effective treatment method.

Where can I get help?

We currently operate partner clubfoot clinics in 16 countries in Africa and Latin America. Click the “find a clinic” button below to see if there is a Hope Walks partner clubfoot clinic near you. If not, please contact us and we’ll do our best to refer you to someone who can help.

Find a Clinic

Parent Education Tool

A guide for parents of children with clubfoot. Download in your language.

English
Amharic
Chinchewa
Creole
French
Kinyarwanda
Kirundi
Portuguese
Spanish
Swahili

Video Resources

Hope Walks has been working in partnership with Medical Aid Films to create four films about clubfoot and the Ponseti method of treatment. These films are used to train parent advisors, as well as an educational tool for parents. Videos (with and without English/French subtitles) are available for streaming or download by clicking the images below. Currently the videos are in English, French and Portuguese. Within the next few weeks, Spanish, Amharic and Kinyarwanda translations will be available.

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Stories from Our Families

A father?s love

A father?s love

Oct 1, 2019

Fatima in Ethiopia Early mornings and expensive transportation costs would not deter Nasir from getting clubfoot treatment for his daughter Fatima. ?I have to take responsibility as the leader of my family,? he said. ?I should care because I?m the father.? It cost...

A new cycle of hope

A new cycle of hope

Oct 1, 2019

Masika - the Democratic Republic of Congo We don?t know what causes clubfoot, but we often see it in multiple generations of one family. Kavira was not surprised when her daughter Masika was born with clubfoot because she and other relatives have it. Finding out her...

No more isolation

No more isolation

Sep 3, 2019

Isabella in the Dominican Republic When a child is born with clubfoot, often the parents feel an overwhelming sense of isolation from other families. That?s exactly what Arianny Mercedes felt when her daughter Isabella was born with clubfoot in the Dominican...